Manu Bhaker made history in the 2024 Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian woman to win a medal in shooting at the Olympic Games. Her bronze medal victory in the 10m Air Pistol event is a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and exceptional skill.
This landmark achievement brought pride to the nation and inspired countless young athletes. Manu’s journey from a small village in Haryana to the pinnacle of Olympic glory is a story of grit, determination, and triumph against all odds.
Manu Bhaker’s Life – Early Struggle to Glory
Manu Bhaker was born on February 18, 2002, in Goria village, Jhajjar district, Haryana, India. Raised in a rural setting, she displayed a keen interest in sports from a young age, excelling in boxing, martial arts, and skating. However, it was in shooting that she found her true calling. With her father’s support, she took up shooting at the age of 14 and quickly began to make her mark on the sport.
Journey to Shooting Stardom
Manu’s rise in the shooting world was meteoric. She burst onto the national scene by winning gold at the 2017 National Games. Her international breakthrough came in 2018 when she won multiple gold medals at the ISSF World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Her poise under pressure and remarkable accuracy quickly made her a star in Indian sports.
Struggles and Triumphs
Despite her early successes, Manu faced significant challenges. The heartbreak at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she was a favourite but failed to medal, was a significant setback. However, she used this disappointment as fuel to improve and work harder. Her journey was marked by relentless training, overcoming injuries, and maintaining her focus amidst rising expectations.
Here’s a table summarizing Manu Bhaker’s achievements:
| Year | Event | Achievement |
| 2017 | National Shooting Championships | Gold medal in 10m Air Pistol; broke record with a score of 242.3 |
| 2017 | Asian Junior Championships | Silver medal |
| 2018 | ISSF World Cup, Guadalajara, Mexico | Gold medal in 10m Air Pistol; youngest Indian to win gold at ISSF World Cup |
| 2018 | ISSF World Cup, Guadalajara, Mexico (Mixed Team Event) | Gold medal with Om Prakash Mitherval |
| 2018 | ISSF Junior World Cup | Gold medals in 10m Air Pistol (individual and mixed team events) |
| 2018 | Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast, Australia | Gold medal in 10m Air Pistol; set a new Games record |
| 2018 | Youth Olympics, Buenos Aires, Argentina | Gold medal in 10m Air Pistol; first Indian shooter and first female athlete from India to win gold |
| 2019 | ISSF World Cup, New Delhi | Gold medals in 10m Air Pistol mixed team event with Saurabh Chaudhary at all three ISSF World Cups |
| 2019 | ISSF World Cup final, China | Gold medals in 10m Air Pistol (individual and mixed team events) |
| 2019 | ISSF World Cup, Munich | Fourth place in 10m Air Pistol; secured an Olympic quota place for Tokyo 2020 |
| 2021 | ISSF World Cup, New Delhi | Gold and silver medals in 10m Air Pistol; bronze medal in 25m Air Pistol |
| 2020 | Tokyo Olympics | Competed in 10m Air Pistol, mixed 10m Pistol, and 25m Pistol events |
| 2021 | Junior World Championships, Lima | Gold medal in 10m Air Pistol |
| 2022 | Cairo World Championships | Silver medal in women’s 25m Pistol |
| 2023 | Asian Games, Hangzhou | Gold medal in women’s 25m Pistol |
| 2023 | ISSF World Cup, Bhopal | Bronze medal in women’s 25m Pistol |
| 2023 | Asian Shooting Championships, Changwon | Secured Paris 2024 Olympic quota with a fifth-place finish in women’s 25m Pistol |
| 2024 | Paris Olympic, 2024 | Won bronze medal in 10-meter air pistol and became the first Indian woman to win any medal in shooting game at any Olympics |
Olympic Achievements in 2024
The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a historic milestone in Manu Bhaker‘s career. She won a bronze medal in the 10m Air Pistol event, making her one of the few Indian shooters to achieve this feat. Her performance was lauded for its precision and composure, and she became a national hero overnight. This victory was not just a personal triumph but also a testament to her resilience and dedication to the sport.
She is also the first Indian to win two medals in one Olympics after India’s independence (post year 1947). Before this only one participant from India ‘Norman Pritchard’ did this in 1900; that too in the Paris Olympics.
Manu Bhaker’s Records at Paris Olympic 2024
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Manu Bhaker’s outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 has set several new records, making her a significant figure in Indian sports history. She made history by being the first Indian woman to win a medal in any Olympics game in shooting.
Career Switch and Future Aspirations
In addition to her shooting prowess, Manu Bhaker is known for her diverse talents and interests. Recently, she has shown a keen interest in pursuing a career in sports management and mentoring young athletes. Her goal is to give back to the community and help nurture future sports stars. Manu’s story is one of inspiration and perseverance, and her future endeavors are eagerly anticipated by fans and aspiring athletes alike.
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